Why Does God Leave the Ninety-Nine to Chase After the One?

In today’s Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on Matthew 18:10–14 from The Message, exploring Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep through a progressive lens. He challenges us to see arrogance—not wandering—as the real threat to faith communities, and contrasts God’s “illogical” love with our human cost-benefit mindset that often writes people off. Through personal stories, the playful image of his granddaughters’ hide-and-seek, and a heartfelt prayer, Dr. Brad invites listeners to embody God’s relentless pursuit of the one who has drifted, to reach out without judgment or agenda, and to live as people who celebrate reunion more than perfection—all while supporting the mission of getting the audible Word of God into two million ears by 2028.Key TakeawaysArrogance is the real danger, not wanderingJesus’ warning is aimed at the “99” insiders who may look down on those who drift away, making arrogance a greater threat to community than doubt or distance.The problem often lies with the group’s attitudeMany people step away from church not because they’ve lost faith, but because they encountered arrogance, standoffishness, or exclusion from those who stayed.God’s math doesn’t make human sense—and that’s the pointLeaving 99 sheep to go after one is bad strategy by worldly standards, but it reflects God’s economy of love, where no one is written off as too messy, difficult, or costly.Heaven’s biggest celebration is for the one who’s foundThe joy is not in rewarding those who “stayed put” but in the reunion with the one who wandered, mirroring the delight of a child’s game of hide-and-seek when the hider is finally found.Our role is to seek and celebrate, not gatekeep and interrogateThe church’s calling is to go looking for those who’ve drifted, welcoming them back without probation periods, finger-pointing, or tests of worthiness—just joy.Practical action: take one small step toward someone who’s driftedListeners are encouraged to send a text, voicemail, call, or handwritten note to someone who has pulled away from faith, community, or relationship, simply to say “you’re not forgotten.”Links referenced in this episode:voiceofgoddaily.comThe "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your lifeApplicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the readingA recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.A prayer for your day.A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)